Currently doing a little of everything as usual. Above is a print ad for a magazine for a client. Keeping to her new branding style I created this card both vertically and horizontally.

I will also be having my very own craft table at this conference (I confess to know little about Reiki itself) but it’s a great opportunity to show some of my work and hopefully get a few sales. My plan was to bring some prints…perhaps some Nez Perce Style necklaces…porcupine quill work…and a few Rustic Benches pieces we do (cutting boards and candle holders).

“Dean Spence is the recipient of the 2015 MERA Award for Excellence in the Fine Arts and Fine Crafts, with Star Horn as runner-up.”

Dean Spence and his wife & The Runner Up

Dean Spence gets the award.

Late Friday, June 12th, 2015, in the absolute pouring rain, I loaded the car up with my handsome date (my son Fisher), and a selection of large necklaces as well as a few smaller samples, some display stands, business cards, display cloth, and very little expectations. I was not convinced that anyone would show up in such undesirable weather, for an award ceremony celebrating fine arts and crafts, in the incredibly charming but small town of McDonald’s Corners. Did I mention it was POURING?

After driving by and then circling back, we found our way into the MERA Schoolhouse (MERA: McDonald’s Corners/Elphin Recreation and Arts) and were greeting by several friendly people. I met and chatted with Marilyn Barnett (Administrator and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), Danny Sullivan (Head of the Board of Directors), Ankaret Dean (Artistic Director), Diana Nemiroff (former Director of Carleton University Art Gallery and senior curator at the National Gallery of Canada from 1990 to 2005), numerous potters, weavers, painters and their spouses. The little schoolhouse was displaying all forms of artwork for an upcoming weekend show on it’s walls. It quickly filled up with at least 30 folk. I was so pleasantly surprised!

I felt like I had actually WON the award that evening as everyone was so congratulatory and inquisitive. Several women purchased some necklaces and immediately wore them, seemingly proud of their find. Foodsmiths had donated some wonderful treats, wine and beer was available, and a commemorative plaque was unveiled (it was made locally by an artist who used an actual piece of old slate that was used as a blackboard from the time when children were actually taught in the school). Mr Sullivan gathered everyone around for a brief presentation of certificates and kind words along with introductions of all the contributors of the evening.

Fisher, always up for a ‘dress-up’ occassion, enjoyed the snacks and was helpful in taking photo’s for me. All in all, a great experience and reminder that ‘artistically bent’ folk need to be supported, engaged with, and partied with OFTEN 😉

“The MERA Award, which is given every two years, was conceived and made possible by a generous donation by Lanark Highlands’ residents Chris and David Dodge to the Perth and District Community Foundation, which manages the funds. Recognizing MERA’s important contribution to the arts community, the Dodges chose MERA to select the Award winners.” -MERA website.

Just completed this new piece this week. The dark beads are rather unique. They appear black but show coppery browns, blues and purple tinges in various light. I found it difficult to capture the actual colors in these photos. The complimentary glass beads are turquoise and white in color with silver elongated metal beads and cones. Soft leather ties and strung on leather as well with sliver tabs.

Available for $50 (plus shipping).

These smaller necklaces are nice and lightweight in comparison to the full length versions.

The same necklace showing it’s colors outside.

A close up -the outside light makes the beads look more shiny and metallic.

I decided to make another small necklace, a mini version of the Nez Perce Style necklaces which are normally 3-4 times as big. It is made of glass beads in red and tuquoise color, silver beads and cones with soft leather ties. It is a nice light version of the necklace but still a statement piece with the vibrant colors. It can also be worn directly on the skin if you wanted to wear an open necked type of top or dress.

I have two available, the other is white with black and brass down the center.

theHumm is a free, monthly, independent newspaper covering Arts, Entertainment and Ideas in the small towns and communities of the Ottawa Valley.

I had not realized they were putting the announcement in the Humm this month -I had already been sent an email several weeks ago (and a phone call) regarding the contest and who the winner was, etc. But, I was still slightly taken aback, sitting in front of the fire, coffee in hand, when I spotted my name!

I was impressed with the kind words coming from Ms. Diana Nemiroff, former Director of Carleton University Art Gallery and who was senior curator at the National Gallery of Canada from 1990 to 2005.

An achievement nonetheless. I’ve been invited to showcase some of my jewelry on Friday, June 12th, at the Mera Schoolhouse, during the ‘official’ award ceremony. http://meraschoolhouse.org/

I am the official horse…I mean ‘runner up’ for the 2015 MERA Award for Excellence in the Fine Arts and Fine Crafts.

http://meraschoolhouse.org/

“For her part, Star Horn also works and innovates within a tradition. Her visually stunning necklaces, chokers and bracelets show a sensitive understanding of both the techniques of beadwork and a strong feeling for indigenous Plains formal traditions. At the same time, she successfully adapts these forms for the contemporary wearer.” writes Diana Nemiroff.

Ms Nemiroff is the former Director of Carleton University Art Gallery and senior curator at the National Gallery of Canada from 1990 to 2005.

Below are a few examples of my submission for this award. Well, $1000 WOULDA BEEN NICE….but I guess I will settle for this acknowledgement and opportunity to showcase my jewelry in June at the official presentation. 🙂